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Westmorland and Furness Council to Consolidate Planning Committees Under New National Rules
By Drooid · · How we work
New Planning Structure Takes Effect
From 31 October, Westmorland and Furness Council will replace its three area planning committees—covering Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland—with a single committee of 13 councillors. The change reduces the number of councillors involved in planning decisions from 46 to 13 and shifts most routine applications, including extensions and commercial projects under 50,000 sq m, to be decided by council planning officers. Only larger housing schemes, certain listed-building consents and applications that raise significant economic, social or environmental issues will continue to be considered by the new committee.
Background and Legislative Change
The restructuring follows amendments to the Town and Country Planning Regulation Act introduced by the government earlier this year. The national reforms aim to speed up planning decisions by limiting the number of applications that reach elected committees and increasing the role of professional officers.
Reactions from Council Leaders
Deputy Liberal Democrat leader Andrew Jarvis described the reform as “unfortunate,” warning that decisions will be “far less public” and that residents will have fewer opportunities to voice concerns. She added that Labour will seek clarity on how residents will be kept informed and consulted.
Official Government Position
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has framed the reforms as a modernization effort.
> “Our plans will modernise planning committees to improve efficiency over decisions so that planning applicants have the clarity they need, and we can deliver quicker for local people.” — Local Government
Expected Impact
Proponents expect faster delivery of new homes and infrastructure, while opponents fear reduced transparency and diminished public oversight. The new rules will not apply to the Lake District National Park Authority, and neighboring Cumberland Council will adopt the same single-committee model, already in place there.